When we look at tragedies like Aurora the question to ask may not be "why” but “why not?”
I say that because we live in a world where people choose not to follow God all the time. If we are honest with each other, you and I often choose the wrong thing from time to time, don’t we?
So it’s not a God problem – it’s a heart problem!
Last post I left you with this verse in Hebrews that says;
See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. Hebrews 12:15
See to it that no one misses the grace of God. What happens when we do? First in our own life there is this progression that takes place – loneliness, low self-esteem, anger, hate, bitterness and then often revenge. And when we get to the later stages of the progression many people begin to feel and experience the effects of our missing God’s grace.
What happens when we’re overcome by evil? An extreme example is seen in the events that happened in Aurora. When God’s grace is missing in a person’s life evil is given a foothold to take over.
Here is a sobering thought as we process the aftermath of this past weekend. Could it be possible that we might miss the grace of God in our own lives and become bitter?
The second half of Romans 12:21 says …but overcome evil with good!
How do we practically do this? In the verses preceding this one it spells it out pretty clearly.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21
The best way to overcome evil is to not miss the grace of God in our own life and also see to it that no one else misses it either.
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